Cape Town

Boat Tours & River Cruises

Cape Town has one of the best locations for watching the sun go down from the water. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the majestic Table Mountain range, this is certainly a "must-do" cruise for locals and tourists alike. You'll also get a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine! The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the waterfront. In the winter months, with the Northwester prevalent, the direction will likely be towards the Clifton coastline or the Robben Island Coastline. This cruise will also return to Granger Bay and the Waterfront. On some occasions the weather may require the use of a motorboat, in which case the boat will cruise slowly along the Atlantic seaboard towards Clifton beach and then return. On all trips your skipper and crew will do their best, weather dependent, to give you the best view of the spectacular sunset over the sea - you won't believe the beauty of this sight until you experience it yourself! For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, instead of heading into Table Bay the destination is the Cape Town Harbor; a perfect alternative offering magical views of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town and the harbor in the evening. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and even stay dockside to ensure the safety of the passengers.

This tour offers you the opportunity to explore the views of Hout Bay from the shore - making memories that you will never forget. You will learn about Hout Bay's heritage, experience one of Cape Town's most iconic shorelines, and view marine life - like the Cape Fur Seal. The tour is two hours in duration and offers you an advenaline rush like no other. These tours are suitable for both beginners as well as advanced kayakers. The minimum age to participate in this activity is 7 years old - and all children will need to be accompanied by an adult. All trips are weather dependent - if bad weather is forecast the supplier will not be able to go out as client safety is the highest priority. It is important that you provide your contact number and email address as the supplier will need to reach you on these details should they need to reschedule your booking. The dress code is normal beachwear - however please bring a warm jacket along. The supplier provides all necessary gear, as well as a life jacket. You are required to sign an indemnity form before departure.

Cape Town has one of the best locations for watching the sun go down from the water. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the majestic Table Mountain range, this is certainly a must-do cruise for locals and tourists alike. You'll also get a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine. The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sunset, and then motor back to the waterfront. This package is a combo offering the sunset champagne cruise and a meal ashore after the 90-minute cruise. This allows you the freedom to choose from 3 restaurants: the Meloncino Restaurant for Italian, the City Grill for local flavor, and the Greek Fisherman. The cruise departure time changes with the seasons and can vary from 5:00 PM in winter to 7:00 PM in the summer. After the cruise, you then have a short stroll through the waterfront to the restaurant where you can enjoy your meal. The meal is a 3-course meal and each restaurant has a different menu. Possible Weather Variations:  During inclement weather, when the seas are running to high, or the wind is too strong, the tour destination will be Cape Town Harbour instead of Table Bay. Guests will be able to enjoy a Harbour Lights Cruise; a perfect alternative offering magical views of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town and the harbour in the evening. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and may cancel the tour to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Departing from the jetty outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, the Waterfront Harbour Cruise puts Cape Town’s bustling harbour in the spotlight. Expect to see key attractions including icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the only remaining boom defence vessel in the world, and the southern hemisphere’s largest synchro-lift and only drawbridge, the Bascule Bridge. The cruise also includes views of Table Mountain, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Chavonnes Battery Museum and the well-known Clock Tower. Of course, experiencing the bustling waterways of Cape Town from a boat is a highlight itself, and this cruise offers a perspective of the city that no other tour can offer.

Depending on the wind, the trip is either a sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse and back to the Waterfront in a southeast wind (summer wind) or heading North East towards to Robben Island in a northwestern wind (winter wind). The skippers pick the most comfortable course, normally a beam reach. And if you don’t know what a beam reach is, the cheerful crew members are happy to help you learn about sailing. When it is not possible to sail comfortably and safely in the direction we need to proceed then we will use the Engine. Variation to cruise (due to weather) For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, instead of heading into Table Bay the destination is the Cape Town Harbor for a harbor day cruise or a harbor lights cruise. This safety feature is a perfect alternative, offering magical views of the harbor, Cape Town and Table Mountain and in the evening the lights of Cape Town and the harbor. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and even stay dockside to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Choose from 40 a 60-minute cruise and sail off to Duiker Island to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment. Take in some of the most spectacular scenery the Cape Peninsula has to offer as you cruise along the rugged coastline from Hout Bay harbor.  As you cruise over the waters, get breathtaking views of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain, in addition to the chance to see other marine life including dolphins and whales. 40-minute Seal Colony Cruise: child-friendly cruise from Hout Bay harbor to Duiker Island the Seal Colony where you can view thousands of wild Cape Fur Seals, close up in their beautiful natural habitat. 60-Minute Seal and Shipwreck Cruise: see the Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island and then continue below the Kabonkelberg mountain range to Moari Bay notoriously known for its Shipwrecks which ran aground in 1994 during one of the famous Cape winter storms. 60-Minute Chapmans Peak Cruise: set off from Hout Bay harbor to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals. From there the boat will cross the bay and travel back to the harbor along the cliffs and caves of Chapmans Peak.

You will be picked up from your Cape Town or Hermanus hotel in a luxury, air-conditioned bus, which will take you to the local partner's facilities opposite the harbour slipway. Enjoy unspoilt sea views with your complimentary continental breakfast during the safety briefing. Get kitted up in your 5mm wetsuits while still on land and head out to Shark Alley on Megalodon II. Once anchored, the sharks are lured by bait line to the cage. Viewing from the deck of the boat is almost as exciting as getting into the cage for an unforgettable close encounter. Approximately 3 hours at sea allows for more than one dive. The cage takes 4 or 5 people at a time on a rotational basis. There are drinks and snacks on board to enjoy while you warm up on the deck, before having another underwater encounter with these awe-inspiring apex predators. No diving experience is necessary for this surface cage dive, it's as easy as holding your breath. The onboard cameraman is there to capture this unforgettable experience for you and after viewing the day's footage back on land, while you enjoy a hot lunch, you can choose to purchase a souvenir USB. Enjoy land-based whale watching en route back to Cape Town or airport transfers at no extra cost.

Take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was confined. Learn about South Africa's history of Apartheid and life in the prison from a former prisoner. Depart from Cape Town on a shared bus to the V&A Waterfront. Collect your ticket and make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island. Sail out to the island on a 45-minute journey. On arrival, embark on a bus tour of the island before visiting the prison and the cell where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 of his 27 prison years. Gain an insight into the history and conditions of the prison from a former prisoner. After the tour, return to Cape Town and be dropped off at the V&A Waterfront. Here you will be free to return to your accommodation independently or continue touring the beautiful city.

Let an experienced crew take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure - come face-to-face with the ocean's friendliest animal, the cape fur seal. Meet at the local partner's office. Once all the preparations are complete and you are fully briefed in a short training session, your trip will begin. After a scenic boat ride to Duiker Island, a breeding colony for the cape fur seal, you'll have the opportunity to explore underwater life for yourself! Spend approximately one hour in the shallow and clear water, observing and interacting with these amazing animals on their own terms. On the way back, enjoy hot drinks and snacks on board while you share your awesome memories made while snorkeling with these fantastic animals!

If the transfer option is selected, your adventure will start pickup from your hotel in Cape Town. Take a 2.5-hour drive along a scenic route to get to your destination - the Great White House. Once there, enjoy a breakfast or lunch before a safety briefing about what to expect. Then, stroll to the harbor to board a dedicated shark-diving vessel. Journey to Dyer Island in 20 minutes and drop anchor where the sharks reside. Your boat will have all the amenities, along with drinks and snacks for your comfort. Collect your waterproof bag containing your dive kit and then get up close to these magnificent animals in their natural environment, protected of course by a cage. You'll be completely safe, but your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy! This is sure to be an experience you will never forget. Travel through shark alley if conditions permit before returning to land for a debriefing and a warm bowl of soup. Then, enjoy free entry to the African penguin and seabird sanctuary on your way back to Cape Town (if option selected).